FiTeCo

Project Description

The goal of the project is to produce and characterize composites made from polymer resins synthesized from tall oil fatty acids, reinforced with various fillers.

Innovative composites will be developed through a novel combination of polymer resins and fillers. The composites will consist of renewable raw materials, both in the matrix and in the filler. The polymer resins will be synthesized from tall oil acetoacetates and acrylates using a Michael addition reaction at room temperature. The fillers will include short fibers (wood fibers, carbon fibers, wood dust, which is a byproduct of horse bedding production) and nanoparticles (organic nanoclays, carbon nanofibers). The grant will evaluate potential applications for the newly developed composites.